Thames Valley Police says it is preparing for potential riots in Reading following information shared on social media.

A number of unconfirmed posts claiming demonstrations will take place in the town today (Wednesday) and later this week.

While the police is keen to stress nothing official has been organised, the force says it is aware and is prepared to take action if they need to. 

On Wednesday, scenes in the town centre showed business as usual as residents went about their day-to-day activities.

Some businesses and shops decided to close early as a precautionary measure. 

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "Should any planned protests or spontaneous incidents escalate into violent disorder seen elsewhere in the country, officers will swiftly and robustly respond and deal with those choosing to cause harm to our communities."

It comes after a wave of violent unrest and disorder across parts of the UK, with police coming under attack in Belfast, Darlington and Plymouth.

Six people were arrested in Plymouth while several officers suffered minor injuries in the violence, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

In South Belfast, riot officers had stones and petrol bombs thrown at them in an area close to a supermarket which was set on fire at the weekend.